Tag: rest

It’s been a week since my surgery. Time seems to have shifted. The familiar cadence of my days abruptly slowed to a new more somber beat. The world has shrunk down to the size of my home. From the quiet of my front porch, we are enjoying the first signs of spring. Continue reading “In the gap…”→

A few years ago, we gave up television. I know exactly when it was. When Robin Williams died, I could not fathom watching the emotional and historical outpouring of communal sadness. I turned the tv off. We liked the sound of silence in our house. We talked more. We read more. We did not even miss the noise. We occasionally turn it on to watch something we’ve recorded or to watch a movie. But mostly, we just enjoy the silence.

One thing that I have filled in the corners of the silence with has been reading interesting blogs. I’ve been collecting a reading list of interesting people and perspectives from across the web. I’d like to introduce some of them to you! So, on Saturday mornings, I’m going to highlight one of my favorites for your enjoyment.

Shelly Miller’s blog is focused on Sabbath. She has created the Sabbath Society, a place where folks can encourage each other about the joys and challenges of arranging our lives around rest. She recently wrote a book, “Rhythms of Rest” which I am slowly savoring. I read a bit and then journal, read a bit and then ponder. It’s like sipping hot tea under a warm blanket on a gray morning.

Most years I begin January with a neat set of goals. I like to have a clear vision and a plan for how to get there. I divide my year into nice quarters and check in on my goals near my birthday (March), at the beginning of summer (June), and at the beginning of the school year (September) to make sure I’m on track. I adapt and change goals as my life unfolds but having a sense of where I’m trying to go gives me a sense of clarity about what matters and what I want to move towards. Continue reading “Winter’s rest…”→

I’ve been cleaning drawers, closets, clutter, my floors. I’m preparing for a new season, for the tree, decorations, family, and lots of little white lights, but before I do the next big thing, I need to clear some space. I love the smell of freshly washed floors, the way the windows seem wider when they are newly clean. I love touching and fluffing and putting things in their places. I adore throwing away bags of trash.

Our small group has committed to practicing Sabbath Rest. We’ve decided to practice the discipline of rest in an effort to honor the God who made us and try to find the unforced rhythms of grace the Bible promises. On a weekly basis, we try to pause. To unclutter our lives and just rest. Continue reading “Rest…”→

Last night, whispered prayers dripped onto my pillow as I acknowledged a familiar grief. My heart refuses to pretend to be who I want to be… strong, secure, gracious, and true. Instead, life pushes at me, tripping me up, like a playground bully. In the bump and fray of everyday life, I find myself again nursing wounds and grudges, that are inconsistent to the woman I want to be. But they are real. And so am I. Continue reading “Grace whispers…”→

This morning when I drove to work it was 7 degrees. Even after twenty-seven New England winters, it still blows my mind that it can get this cold (and colder). There are a bunch of memes in my Facebook feed about why I live in a place where the air hurts my face. I have to agree. Complaining about the weather is a true passion here. We complain about the heat and humidity in the summer, the rain and fog during spring mud season, and the cold raw winds and rain of late fall. There is almost always something to complain about when it comes to New England weather. Continue reading “Winter rest….”→

I love new beginnings. Lucky for me… I celebrate them about every three months.

I am a crazy woman around the New Year… I have whole rituals around reviewing last year’s journals to glean important themes, to reflect on what I’ve learned, to consider what I want to leave behind. To set a course for the year ahead. Continue reading “On new beginnings…”→

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If you wandered down my long drive, I would welcome you into my home and hand you something to eat. We would share a cup of warmth and chat about things that matter, about our hearts, about faith, hope, and family. I hope you linger here and find friendship, encouragement, and the confidence that comes from knowing that you are not alone. Thank you for stopping by!